Our Blog — Page 5
The True Progress Therapy blog is your trusted source for evidence-based ABA insights, autism research, and clinical perspectives. Designed for families seeking answers and professionals raising the bar — because meaningful progress starts with knowledge.
Showing 12 of 543 articles · page 5 of 46
Why Negative Reinforcement Isn’t Punishment in ABA
The phrase negative reinforcement often causes confusion, especially in ABA therapy. Many people assume it means punishment, but that’s not the case at all. I believe behavior makes more sense when we understand what a child is trying to escape or avoid. That perspective changes everything. Negative
Read article
How a Functional Behavior Assessment Finds the “Why”
A Functional Behavior Assessment, often called an FBA, is a tool used to understand why a behavior is happening. Instead of focusing only on what a child is doing, an FBA looks at the reason behind the behavior so support can actually work. When I first learned about Functional Behavior Assessments,
Read article
When Demands Trigger Anxiety: The PDA Profile in Autism
The PDA profile in autism can be confusing and often misunderstood. PDA stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance, and it describes a pattern where everyday demands feel overwhelming and trigger strong avoidance or distress. What is Pathological Demand Avoidance? PDA is considered a profile or presen
Read article
Understanding the Most Challenging Ages for Autism
There’s no single age that’s the hardest for autism. The challenges tend to shift as a child grows. That said, many families agree that certain stages feel more overwhelming than others—especially when expectations suddenly change. What age feels hardest for autism? Autism doesn’t get “hard” at one
Read article
Can Autistic Children Be Taught Boundaries?
Yes—autistic children can be taught boundaries. I want to start there, because I know this is something many parents quietly worry about. If you’ve ever wondered whether setting limits is helpful or harmful, you’re not alone. The short answer is that boundaries can be taught—and when they’re done ri
Read article
What Is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)?
I work with many families in New Jersey who are overwhelmed by constant resistance to everyday demands. Simple things like getting dressed or transitioning to school turn into emotional meltdowns, leaving parents confused and exhausted. Often, what they’re seeing is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PD
Read article
What Does Hyperempathy Look Like in Autism? Understanding Deep Emotional Sensitivity
In autism, hyperempathy often looks like feeling others’ emotions very intensely—sometimes to the point of emotional overload. It’s real, it’s common, and it challenges the myth that autistic people lack empathy. Many autistic individuals don’t feel less empathy. They feel more. What hyperempathy me
Read article
Can Play Therapy and ABA Therapy Be Combined?
Play therapy and ABA therapy can absolutely be combined, and for many children, this blended approach works very well. When done thoughtfully, the two can support emotional growth and skill-building at the same time. Families don’t have to choose one or the other. The key is using each approach in t
Read article
Side Glancing and Autism: When to Be Concerned and When Not to Worry
No. Side glancing by itself is not always autism. Many children and adults glance sideways for everyday reasons that have nothing to do with autism. While side glancing can appear in autistic individuals, it’s only meaningful when viewed alongside other developmental patterns. Understanding side gla
Read article
What are the Psychological Effects of ABA Therapy?
The psychological effects of ABA therapy aren’t always obvious at first glance. They tend to show up gradually, in quieter ways—like increased confidence or a calmer response to change. From my perspective, those internal shifts are just as important as any measurable outcome. They’re often the foun
Read article
What a Typical Day in ABA Therapy Looks Like Behind the Scenes
Key Highlights What a typical day in ABA therapy actually looks like across different settings How data collection and research guide daily clinical decisions The balance between structured teaching and natural learning opportunities How challenging behaviors are addressed with compassion and eviden
Read article
When More Isn’t Always Better: Navigating Multiple ABA Therapy Providers
If you’re a parent looking into ABA therapy, you might be wondering: Can my child work with more than one ABA provider at the same time? It’s a common question, especially when you’re trying to get the best possible support across home, school, and the community. The honest answer is: sometimes, yes
Read articleNo articles match that search.
